Restoration strategies for the degrading Rihand River and reservoir ecosystems in India

Abstract

Water quality, phytoplankton diversity, primary production, and accumulation of N, P, K, Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe and Cr in shallow water macrophytes of the Rihand River and reservoir at Obra and Renukoot, India, were studied under the impact of effluents from a thermal power plant and chemical factory. Phytoplankton diversity and productivity were reduced under this impact. Macrophytes showed less nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the effluent-affected region, while potassium and iron content increased. Marginal herbs, Ammannia baccifera and Polygonum amphibium, accumulated high amounts of iron. It is recommended that use of harvesters of heavy metals, effective binders of soil, and conservers of nutrients be used for restoration of these wetlands. -Authors